This month I would like to review the technical and support
functions of our engineering department. This work unit, as expected, is smaller in number than the
field/line unit. Working under the overall supervision of the Engineering and
Operations Manager, there are two electrical engineers, one Engineering
Technician, and one Engineering Assistant (for clerical and record keeping).
Also, within the unit is the Operations & Purchasing Coordinator for all
supplies, e.g. lines, transformers, etc., a building/site custodian, and a
utility staff responsible for vehicles and grounds maintenance at both our
central office and our four substations. The overall responsibilities fall within four basic categories: Customer service is a high priority for this work unit within
Salem Electric. It is usually this technical staff that is called upon
initially to promptly deal with customer calls regarding technical issues,
whether it be a residential customer with concerns about power surges and their
home computers or Mitsubishi Silicon of America (our largest industrial
customer) requesting consultation on a major addition/modification to their
operations. Once the question/problem has been identified/diagnosed clearly
by the engineering department, perhaps the answer can be provided over the
phone, but often requires one of our service crews, along with engineering, to
go out on site to further verify a problem, if any, and provide the necessary
corrective action. Ongoing planning, design and adjustment to our present and future
electrical operations is this unit's responsibility. Working on ways to enhance
and improve our service delivery system is a high priority. This includes
working with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) as we administer our
power sales contract with them. New construction requires close coordination
with other utilities, primarily, but not limited to TCI (local cable
television) and the telephone company. Our computerized SCADA (Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition) helps to provide control of our entire electrical
delivery system. Technical obsolescence of our present SCADA equipment requires
replacement in 1998. The ever advancing technology in our industry is an
ongoing foot race for our engineering staff to keep pace with technological
changes, thus assuring our customers with the most cost effective delivery of
power. This department works closely with governmental agencies, e.g.
EPA, Oregon DEQ, PUC, OSHA, to insure safety and service reliability, as well
as compliance with and awareness of environmental issues. Like our line/field crews, the engineering staff is on call 24
hours per day 365 days per year. In anticipated emergency weather forecasts,
the entire crew is on call and focused upon close coordination with our field
staff who are out tackling specific power outages as they occur. In looking at Salem Electric as an electric utility cooperative,
we must recognize a close working relationship between all facets of our
organization...our general manager's office, the engineering/operations staff,
our member services unit, and finally our administrative support unit
encompassing our accounting and customer service office staff. Engineering is a vital cog in that wheel, working together to
provide the most cost-effective, reliable electric service to our customers. The Salem Electric Board of Directors met at 7:00 p.m. November
25, 1997. All board members were present. This month's meeting of the board nearly broke the record for the
shortest meeting. Despite the brevity however, two important resolutions were
considered and passed. Both items had been deliberated in the past and were now
being considered for formal action. Bob Speckman presented the proposed budget for 1998. This had
been discussed at the last meeting. There were no questions by the board
members. Motion was made by Bonesteele, seconded by Towslee and carried
unanimously to accept the budget as presented. Speckman reviewed the board's resolution to contract with BPA to
purchase approximately 15% of our load from a wind power project in Wyoming.
This contract will extend through the year 2001. The board discussed this
project at last month's meeting and had passed a motion to continue with its
green power commitment. Murray McCreary, Facilities Engineering Manager at Mitsubishi
Silicon America, requested that he address the board. After last month's
meeting, McCreary had spoken with MSA's new chief financial officer and was
assured that MSA continues to be committed to environmental excellence and is
in support of green power. In addition, he said MSA would be pursuing similar
options at their other plants. Dyer thanked McCreary for his comments and
said MSA was setting an example for other big businesses. Motion was made by Culver, seconded by Anderson and carried
unanimously to approve the resolution as presented. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. | Board Reports |
January 1998
Several
months ago we reviewed, in the monthly board report, the work functions and
ongoing service provided by our skilled line crews and field staff.
-- Curt Culver, Director
Minutes of the Meeting Held on:
November 25, 1997
The Budget
Green Power Contract
-- Bill Wolf, Secretary/Treasurer
